Everything You need to know about the National Museum Onikan, Lagos

The National Museum Onikan, Lagos is one of the oldest museums in Nigeria located at Onikan, Lagos. It contains collections of statues, carvings, art, artefacts, carved ivory, cultural and traditional outfits, archaeological items etc. Some of these are dated as far back as 900 and 200BC.

The Nigerian National Museum was set up to preserve the rich Nigerian Cultural heritage. The National Museum is an arm of the National Museum of Nigeria. It has different cultural, traditional and historical items about Nigeria and the different tribes in Nigeria.

History of the
National Museum Lagos

The Nigerian National Museum Onikanwas founded in 1957 by Kenneth Murray. He was an English archaeologist and tourist who was fascinated by the Nigerian diverse culture and historical values. He gathered different collections of Nigerian artefacts and it is what we know today as the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

Best time to Visit
the Museum

The Museum Opens for 9:30 am and closes by 3:30 pm. The museum runs from Mondays to Saturdays but doesn’t open on Sundays. The best time for Tourists to visit is off Peak period where between 10 am and 12 noon.

Location of the
National Museum

If you are wondering where the National Museum Lagos is located. It is located between four major landmarks. It is opposite the J.K Randle Centre For Yoruba Culture and History and also the Muson Centre. Adjacent it is the City mall and Tafawa Balewa Square all located at Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria.

National Museum Gate Fee

Fun Things to Do at the Museum Lagos

You get to see the State car of the former Military Head of State Murtala Mohammed.

See old sculptures and royal crowns.

Visit for Recreation and excursions.

You get to Understand Nigerian history better.

Things you should Not do at The Museum

You are not to take pictures inside the Museum.

Do not touch the Artifacts.

Do not carry or touch any items in the Museum.

Things you will find
in the Museum

The national Museum Onikan contain different artefacts, instruments and other historical benefits. Tourists have the chance to get a live view of the best of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Here are some of the things you will find at the Museum.

Brass from the Benin Kingdom

The Nok Terracottas

Traditional symbols

Armoury

Carved Ivory

Royal Crowns

The Bullet-riddled Mercedes in which Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in 1976

Ancient Wood carvings

Artefacts

Images and pictures of past and present President and heads of states

Masquerade regalia and cultural garments

Antiques

Different Sections At the National Museum

The Nigerian Government Section

Lastly, The Lagos National Museum has seven sections namely: the fertility and birth, initiation, adult life, external influence, wisdom and learning, reincarnation, death, burial and funeral, temporary exhibition hall, Nigeria Government. The Nigerian Government section has history and portraits of various Nigerian leaders (both past and present). Furthermore, the state car in which former Nigerian Head of State General Murtala Mohammed. It also features the export permit unit where permits to export artworks out of Nigeria is issued.

How To Get to the National Museum Onikan, Lagos

If are looking for a reason to travel, this is a must visit location for tourists who want to know more about Nigeria. If you are coming from outside Lagos, you can either take a flight or bus to Lagos. From the Airport or the Park. You can order a taxi, Taxify or Uber. You get a discount ride when you use this code.

Uber: brandlers1ui

Taxify/ Bolt – SS2U9

Downside of the National Museum

The facility needs a lot of upgrades, most parts of the buildings have degraded. Some information on the artefacts is not up to date. I feel the use of cameras should be allowed inside the premises. The place needs lots of investment in terms of artworks, artefacts, maintenance and total upgrade of the facility. Furthermore, the staff also need to be trained and well equipped. Lastly, more modern day history, activities and games should feature at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos.